Revitalizing Montreal's Gateway: Ottawa Unveils $282M Project to Transform Bonaventure Expressway into Urban Boulevard
In a bold move to revamp Montreal's iconic Bonaventure expressway, Ottawa has announced a $282 million project aimed at transforming the aging infrastructure into a modern urban boulevard. Constructed in 1966 and showing signs of wear, the expressway, deemed "ugly" by federal transport minister Pablo Rodriguez, is set to undergo a substantial facelift, marking a significant shift in its purpose and aesthetics.
Positioned as a crucial gateway to the City of Montreal, the Bonaventure expressway will shed its highway identity to embrace a new urban configuration. Sandra Martel, CEO of the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc., emphasized the transformation, stating, "It's not a highway anymore; it's a boulevard, so it's an urban configuration where pedestrians can cross the boulevard at some spaces.
The comprehensive overhaul includes reducing speed limits from 70 to 50 km/h and introducing traffic lights to enhance connectivity to a green corridor and a 2.5-kilometer-long multipurpose pathway. To further enhance the urban landscape, traffic lanes will be shifted away from the shoreline, leading to the elimination of Carrie Derick Street. Construction is slated to commence in 2025, focusing solely on the non-elevated section of the Bonaventure expressway.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante acknowledged the potential impact on traffic, considering the substantial usage of the existing autoroute by 20 million vehicles annually. With an eye on congestion management, Mayor Plante highlighted the presence of the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) as a key factor. "Having the REM is a big; it's already there. For sure, we will look at what needs to be put in place during the work, so there's still options," she stated.
Traffic specialist Rick Leckner expressed optimism about the project's long-term benefits, emphasizing its environmental impact. "There's a lot of benefits to this, not least of which environmental, because that roadway was so close to the St. Lawrence River, creating quite a bit of pollution," said Leckner. He added that the designs indicate an attractive transformation that will accommodate pedestrians and enhance overall mobility in the area.
As construction looms on the horizon, the ambitious project signifies a forward-thinking approach to urban development, with an emphasis on sustainability, aesthetics, and improved accessibility.
In conclusion, Ottawa's announcement of a $282 million project to transform the Bonaventure expressway into an urban boulevard marks a significant stride toward revitalizing Montreal's iconic gateway. The decision to overhaul the aging infrastructure, described as "ugly" and from "another era" by federal transport minister Pablo Rodriguez, reflects a commitment to modernization and urban development.
The envisioned transformation involves more than a mere facelift; it entails a shift in purpose, with the expressway evolving into a pedestrian-friendly urban boulevard. With speed limits set to decrease, traffic lights introduced, and a multipurpose pathway established, the project promises a comprehensive redesign aimed at enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The removal of Carrie Derick Street and the relocation of traffic lanes away from the shoreline contribute to the overarching goal of creating a more sustainable and attractive urban environment.
Despite the anticipated traffic disruptions during the construction, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, cognizant of the significant vehicular traffic on the existing autoroute, assures that measures will be taken to manage congestion effectively. The presence of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) adds a layer of convenience and flexibility in addressing transportation challenges during the construction phase.
Traffic specialist Rick Leckner underscores the long-term benefits of the project, emphasizing its positive environmental impact. The proximity of the expressway to the St. Lawrence River, previously contributing to pollution, will be addressed, aligning with broader environmental goals.
As the project unfolds in 2025, it symbolizes a forward-thinking approach to urban planning, acknowledging the importance of sustainability, aesthetics, and improved accessibility. The transformation of the Bonaventure expressway into an urban boulevard not only represents a physical overhaul but also stands as a testament to a city's commitment to progress, creating a more vibrant and environmentally conscious space for residents and visitors alike.